How to Clean a Silver Plate With Aluminum Foil

Melynda Sorrels

From the Proto Germanic language comes the word "tarnish," which means to darken. Tarnishing occurs when air oxidizes the metal; basically, it corrodes it. Tarnish is like a fine layer of rust that settles upon silver objects, only it occurs much slower. Over time it dulls the metal and takes away its shine. If left uncared for it will eventually turn black and can resemble mold. Eliminating tarnish is a very simple procedure that requires very few materials and very little time.

Clean a Silver Plate With Aluminum Foil

Step 1

Line a shallow container or the sink with aluminum foil.

Step 2

Fill the sink or container with hot water that you have boiled on the stove. Make sure there is enough water to completely cover the plate.

Step 3

Set the plate in the water, being sure to completely submerge it.

Step 4

Sprinkle 3 to 5 tbsp. of baking soda over the plate and in the container or sink.

Step 5

Remove the plate once the water has cooled. The plate should sit in the water for at least 15 minutes.